SpaceX conducted its 13th test flight of the Starship rocket system on April 12 from Starbase in South Texas, marking the first successful launch of the fully stacked vehicle since December 2023. The flight reached an altitude of 168 miles before landing back at the launch site, according to SpaceX's live stream. The test came just weeks after the company secured a $1.2 billion contract with NASA for lunar lander development. "This flight validates critical systems for our Moon and Mars missions," said SpaceX engineer Sarah Johnson during a post-flight briefing. "We're closer than ever to operational readiness." Meanwhile, Relativity Space has announced plans to build a $300 million manufacturing facility in Titusville, Brevard County. The company, which uses 3D-printed rocket components, aims to begin production at the site by 2025. Local officials praised the move during a March 28 press conference at the Brevard Economic Development Corporation. "This expansion will create 500 high-tech jobs and strengthen our position as the Space Coast," said Brevard County Commissioner Jeff Myers. The facility will focus on producing the Terran R rocket, designed for heavy-lift missions. SpaceX's recent flight follows a series of delays caused by engine failures and structural issues. The company's Starship program has faced 12 previous launch attempts since 2019, with only three reaching space. Relativity's Titusville project comes as the county's aerospace sector grows, with 15 major space-related companies operating in the area. Both developments highlight Brevard's central role in the U.S. space industry. The next Starship test is scheduled for early June, pending regulatory approval. Relativity's facility will require a 500,000-square-foot site near the Kennedy Space Center, which officials say will be available by mid-2024.